(February 3, 2018) Alliance of Chinese Americans San Diego (ACA) unequivocally condemns the newly proposed immigration plan, unveiled by the White House last week and by President Trump during his State of the Union speech. In the plan, President Trump proposes to eliminate the so-called ‘chain migration’ in exchange for a DACA deal, among other egregious demands. Specifically, US citizens will not be permitted to sponsor their adult children, parents or siblings to immigrate to the United States, nor will the permanent residents for their adult children. Chinese immigrants represent one of the largest foreign-born groups in America and, as a result of this proposed plan, will be among the most affected.

The term ‘chain-migration’ used by the White House is so derogatory that it humiliates and dehumanizes immigrants in this category to an unworthy class of citizens. Family reunification, as granted by current immigration laws, is embraced by Chinese Americans as well as others as part of the cherished American values. Numerous Americans who have contributed to this great nation would not have been here without the family reunification laws. Ironically, both President Trump and Vice President Pence, who are descendants of direct beneficiaries of this ‘chain-migration’, oppose it today.

The true intention of this plan is to massively reduce legal immigration. Elimination of family reunification will not only directly block the family members from coming to America, but will also eventually force many immigrants to abandon permanent residency or citizenship if they are unable to reunite with their loved ones. Immigration through family reunification has been the bedrock principle of the US immigration system and the main source of immigration from Europe in the past two centuries. The same system is used today largely by non-European countries, which have been openly called as unfavorable ones by the President. Therefore, there is no surprise that this plan is called by many as a “white supremacist act.”

“This proposal violates the fundamental values this country stands for. We are a country of immigrants. The people behind this proposal either have forgotten their immigrant roots or lack the understanding of it”, said Mr. Paul Yung, the President of ACA.

ACA is calling on the Chinese community to unite and defend our family values by rejecting the White House immigration plan and condemning the bigotry and racism this plan represents. The language used by Trump is a direct attack on not only our communities, but other vulnerable communities who have already suffered numerous assaults by immigration legislation. We must unify with our neighbors to demonstrate a strong mass of resistance.

Alliance of Chinese Americans San Diego (ACA) is a nonprofit (501c3 pending) organization dedicated to serving the Chinese community of San Diego. ACA assists Chinese newcomers in achieving the American Dream, by working to create and maintain an inclusive, diverse, and harmonious region. ACA promotes policies that advance its core values - equality, freedom, and justice - and advocates on behalf of every individual’s right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.